Prunellae Spica
Aliases：Xi Ju、Nai Dong、Yan Mian、Mai Xia Ku、Tie Se Cao、Bang Zhu Tou Hua、Deng Long Tou、Lang Tou Cao、Bang Chui Cao、Luo Chui Cao、Niu
Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica) is a Chinese medicinal herb that clears heat. It is the dried fruiting spike of Prunella vulgaris L. (family Lamiaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Clear the liver and drain fire, brighten the eyes, dissipate nodules and reduce swelling.
Indications
It is indicated for red, swollen and painful eyes, night pain of the eyeball, headache and vertigo, scrofula, goiter, acute mastitis, breast lumps, and breast distension and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has anti‑pathogenic microbial, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and antitumor effects, among others.
Ingredients
Triterpenoids and saponins: Major components, highest content. Representative compounds: oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, prunellasaponin A, B, etc. Flavonoids: Representative compounds: rutin, hyperoside, quercetin, luteolin, isoorientin, etc. Sterols: Representative compounds: β‑sitosterol, stigmasterol. Organic acids: Total phenolic acid content 1.20%–6.74%. Representative compounds: caffeic acid, gallic acid, p‑hydroxybenzoic acid. Coumarins: Representative compounds: scopoletin, umbelliferone. Phenylpropanoids: Representative compound: rosmarinic acid. Sugars: Glucose, sucrose, polysaccharides. Volatile oils: Representative compounds: α‑fenchone, hexanal, 3,5‑octadien‑2‑one; the flower spike contains squalene, linoleic acid, linolenic acid. Others: Alkaloids, tannins, vitamins B, C, K, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: 9–15 g.
Contraindications
1. It should not be used concurrently with potassium‑sparing and sodium‑excreting diuretics such as spironolactone and triamterene, as this may easily cause hyperkalemia. 2. Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica) is rich in potassium ions and should not be used together with potassium salts to avoid the risk of hyperkalemia.
Selected Formulas
1. For red, swollen, and painful eyes due to liver fire flaring upward Often combined with Sangye (Mori Folium), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), and Juemingzi (Cassiae Semen) – herbs that clear the liver and brighten the eyes. For pain in the eyeball that worsens at night due to liver yin deficiency, it is combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus). It may also be combined with Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) and Gancao (licorice) – as in Xiakucao San (Prunella Powder) from Zhangshi Yitong (Zhang’s Comprehensive Medicine). 2. For scrofula due to liver qi stagnation transforming into fire with phlegm‑fire accumulation Often combined with Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) and Xiangfu – as in Xiakucao Tang (Prunella Decoction) from Waike Zhengzong (Orthodox Manual of External Medicine). For goiter (thyroid enlargement), it is often combined with Kunbu (Eckloniae Thallus) and Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) – as in Xiakucao Gao (Prunella Extract) from Yizong Jinjian (Golden Mirror of Medicine). 3. For painful swelling of acute mastitis Often combined with Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba) – as recorded in Bencao Huiyan (Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica). For heat‑toxin sores and ulcers, it may be combined with Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Flos) – as in Huadu Dan (Toxin‑Resolving Pill) from Qingnang Mizhuan (Secret Transmission of the Green Bag).
Daily Consumption
1. Xiakucao and Chrysanthemum Tea Ingredients: 10 g Xiakucao, 5 g chrysanthemum, 5 g Juemingzi (cassia seed). Preparation: Steep in boiling water, cover, and let infuse for 10 minutes. Drink as tea. Actions: Clear the liver and brighten the eyes; help lower blood pressure. Suitable for red, swollen, painful eyes, headache, and dizziness. 2. Xiakucao Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: 15 g Xiakucao, 100 g lean pork, 2 honey dates, 2 slices of fresh ginger. Preparation: Blanch the pork, then simmer together with Xiakucao, honey dates, and ginger for 1 hour. Season with salt. Actions: Clear liver fire, dissipate nodules, and reduce swelling. Suitable for liver fire hyperactivity and swollen lymph nodes. 3. Xiakucao Boiled Eggs Ingredients: 15 g Xiakucao, 2 eggs. Preparation: Boil the eggs with Xiakucao until the eggs are cooked. Remove the shells, then return the eggs to the decoction and boil for another 10 minutes. Eat the eggs and drink the soup. Actions: Clear the liver, dissipate nodules, and relieve pain. Suitable for goiter (thyroid enlargement) and breast hyperplasia. 4. Xiakucao Congee Ingredients: 10 g Xiakucao, 50 g Japonica rice. Preparation: Decoct Xiakucao in water to obtain the liquid. Use the liquid to cook congee with the rice. Actions: Nourish the liver and brighten the eyes. Suitable for dry eyes and blurred vision due to liver yin deficiency. 5. External Steam and Wash Ingredients: 30 g Xiakucao. Preparation: Decoct in water, then use the hot steam to fumigate the affected area, or wash the area with the decoction when it cools to a comfortable temperature. Indications: Red, swollen, painful eyes, and skin sores or ulcers.
Medicinal Parts
dried fruit spike (flower spike)
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.